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Politics

Julie Menghini

2012-11-09 08:49:19

This series with local candidates began last month and as we stated,on November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter.

Q & A Times: Julie, can you please bring to light your stance and record on education? Thanks in advance. Menghini: Governor Brownback and Kansas House Conservative Republicans have spent a lot of time over the last few weeks decrying assertions from the Kansas Democratic Party regarding the far right Republican record on public education. There are numerous technicalities in the numbers that Governor Brownback presented that make his claims misleading, but I believe that the people of Kansas know the truth. Across the state, our class sizes are getting larger, our property taxes are getting higher, and our fees are getting more expensive. No matter how you bend and twist the school funding formula, my record and the records of democrats and moderate republicans across the state are clear. We are long time supporters of education and the funding necessary to provide a suitable education. After not one, but TWO, separate, non-partisan studies on funding and our education system, it became evident that the legislature was not providing adequate funding for a suitable education. Conservative Republicans did not like this, so they ignored the studies. With no other recourse, a school funding lawsuit followed. The Kansas Supreme Court eventually ruled that the Kansas Legislature needed to increase funding, based upon the two studies commissioned by the same Kansas Legislature. In 2005, my first year serving the people of SEK as their state representative, we were able to design a 3 year plan to put the necessary funding into education. It took a special session, but we were able to get the first year passed. Then, we managed to pass the second year of funding. Unfortunately, the recession hit, and the entire state budget had to be revisited—multiple times. Over the past two years, Kansas revenues have grown steadily, and education cuts could and should have begun to be restored. They were not, even though a group of Democrats and moderate Republicans presented plans to do just that. The conservative led legislature would not restore the cuts. And to ensure that the cuts would not be restored, they passed huge tax cuts for big corporations, depleting the revenues for years to come. Governor Brownback said recently that the state will increase public education funding “as the economy grows.” But the state cannot increase education funding when Governor Brownback's tax cuts for the wealthy will push us into the hole by $2.5 billion in the next 5 years. This is not a partisan scare tactic – it's arithmetic. If we aren’t restoring funding “until the economy grows”, Governor Brownback is essentially telling Kansans that there won’t be any money for schools until he finds a way to pay for his tax plan. Governor Brownback also implied last week that Governors Sebelius and Parkinson are responsible for the majority of the cuts that public schools have endured over the last few years. However, there is a stark difference between making budget cuts out of necessity during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and cutting education in order to sock money away for a massive income tax cut. No matter how Governor Brownback wants to shift blame, he had a choice to make at the beginning of 2012. Democrats and Moderate Republicans presented two different plans to fully restore public education funding over the next few years. Governor Brownback rejected them both. Instead, he chose to implement a tax plan whereby the workers pay taxes and the bosses don’t. He could have proven that education is a top priority for his administration - something he has said multiple times - but he chose to give tax breaks to the wealthy and big corporations. The rebuttals in the last few weeks before the 2012 election are clearly an attempt to confuse the issue of public education before a critical election. It seems that they are just now realizing that it will take more than misleading “Obamacare” ads to win some of these legislative races. But no matter how Governor Brownback attempts to spin this issue, his record - and the record of any who support his agenda - speaks for itself. The choice Governor Brownback made when he signed that tax bill into law will define his entire legacy - and it will not be a legacy that is kind to public schools.

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Politics

Michael Gayoso Jr

2012-11-09 08:48:22

This series with local candidates began last month and as we stated,on November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter.

Q&A Times: Why do you want to be the Crawford County Attorney? Gayoso: My entire legal career has been centered around criminal law. I left my private practice to run for County Attorney. It was a choice I made because I truly wanted to make a positive change in this community. I did not come to this position because my legal career was disappointing, boring or because I needed a job. I ran for Crawford County Attorney because I wanted the ability to impact and change for the better the dynamic of the community where my wife and I are raising our 3 children. This transition was natural for me because of my experience in the area of criminal law. I have been involved with the criminal justice system for 13 years and I am the most qualified and prepared to meet the challenges of this position. I welcome the truthful examination of my qualifications and the record of my office. Q&A Times: What do you think we should know to be an informed voter on November 6th? In my first term as your County Attorney, my office has been under budget the last 3 years, and earned the distinction of sending more criminals to prison than any other prior administration in their first term in office. As County Attorney my office has achieved a 96% felony conviction rate, while my opponent’s administration had a 50% felony conviction rate when she was a prosecutor. My administration has protected children and families by sending 29 child predators, 6 murderers and 26 manufacturers of methamphetamine to prison. One of those 29 child predators was a former defendant in a case handled by my opponent. Rather than adequately prosecuting him, she put him back on the street giving him a misdemeanor where he eventually molested two other children. My office sent him to prison for his crime! Additionally, I have argued before our State’s highest Court and handled more than 24 criminal appeals. In stark contrast, my opponent has never handled a single criminal appeal as an attorney, nor has she argued before the Kansas Supreme Court. Equally telling is the fact that under the Kansas Board of Indigent Defense guidelines, my opponent is not considered experienced enough to defend a case of murder, rape, aggravated robbery along with many other high level felony cases due to her lack of jury trial experience. If my opponent is not qualified to defend criminals then she is certainly not qualified to prosecute them! I am qualified to handle every felony crime in the State of Kansas. The truth about my opponent is that the closest she has been to a criminal jury box in the last 7 years was when she filmed her commercials for this campaign. I have been in the courtroom obtaining over 600 felony convictions in the last 3 ½ years. My opponent touted her civil law experience for the last 6 years during our debate. However, she failed to explain her lack of high level felony criminal jury trials to make her qualified for the position of County Attorney. I ask for your vote and continued support on November 6th.

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Politics

Angela Trimble

2012-11-09 08:38:20

This series with local candidates began last month and as we stated,on November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter.

Last month we introduced you to Crawford County Attorney candidate Angela Trimble. Angela’s key concerns were community safety and the prosecution of crimes, especially those involving methamphetamines. Q&A Times: What experience, professional or personal, makes you best to address these issues? Trimble: I have a well-rounded 17-year career of law practice in Southeast Kansas, both criminal and civil. As a current part-time Assistant County Attorney in Labette County, and former full-time Assistant County Attorney in Crawford County, I have prosecuted various types of cases. I have represented those accused of crimes, including the manufacture of methamphetamine, and I have seen first-hand the destruction and chaos that meth causes in people's lives. I have also prosecuted a large number of cases where, unfortunately, the use of drugs and/or alcohol has caused devastation of personal and family life. I have personally tried cases where defendants were charged with aggravated burglary, rape and homicide. One of the notable trials as an Assistant County Attorney in Crawford County was a rape trial that resulted with conviction and long-term incarceration of the defendant. I also was the prosecutor in an aggravated burglary trial of a young college woman who was terrorized and brutally beaten. That trial resulted with the defendant convicted, to serve a 40-year+ incarceration. There have been other cases which resulted in a plea bargain that included mandatory prison time, while I have been serving, and I am also getting results. I have specialized training in SANE/SART (rape cases), Finding Words (child abuse cases), National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (child sexual abuse and missing children), Arson, and Domestic Violence. I have served on boards of directors for agencies that address family issues. These include CEVC (Child Exchange and Visitation Center), CAC (Children's Advocacy Center) and Mother-to-Mother (a support organization for families and children). My career in civil practice adds to my skills as a prosecutor. Valuable experience has been gained as I have learned to work with all types of people. Techniques to handle and prosecute cases have been learned that I would not have if I had not spent time as a civil trial attorney On a personal level, I have a strong work ethic and feel a responsibility to be professional, hard- working, and do the best I can to represent the community. And, as a mother, I have a thorough understanding of the concern for the safety of our children. Q&A Times: What other information is important to properly introduce you to our area? Trimble: I believe it is vital for Crawford County to have the best representation available within our court system through a County Attorney who attends all scheduled court appearances. To have a dedicated professional who will show up to work every day, determined to provide justice for victims of crime and an environment that criminals want to avoid. To have a county attorney who has a track record of producing meaningful trial results. Someone who can work with and show respect for the dedicated efforts of our law enforcement agencies. I also believe it is important to help some people who want to take responsibility for their non-violent, low-level mistakes to turn around their life without destroying their future and give hope to their family. Diversions play an important role in the legal system, but can be exploited if the program is not adequately monitored and participants held accountable. When I become the Crawford County Attorney, my diversion policy will dramatically differ from what is currently practiced. The program will not be offered for higher-level crimes. I will return full-time professionalism to the Crawford County Attorney's Office.

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Politics

Jeffrey Locke

2012-11-09 08:37:14

This series with local candidates began last month and as we stated,on November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter.

Q&A Times: You are against the PPAHCA aka Obama-Care. How can it be dealt with here in Kansas and what else can be done to address the soaring cost of health insurance and heath care in general? Locke: I am dismayed by the lack of respect for state's rights and individual liberty presented by the unconstitutional ObamaCare mandate to buy insurance. I still see this as a coersive depiction of the use of taxation to engineer and direct society. And any coersion by way of tax policy or any other method to the point of using the force of a firearm is unacceptable in our model of liberty and pursuit of happiness by the indidvidual. Simply put ObamaCare is a job-killer and will lead to the death of the free-market system of healthcare choice and doctors rights to serve their patients with the BEST practices that are available. And what can we do to address the cost of healthcare in Kansas? First restore liberty by proposing a Healthcare Freedom Amendment to block Obamacare to be voted on by the People. Secondly, remove the prohibition of buying health insurance across state lines. Thirdly, allow small businesses, churches, and civic groups to join together so that price bidding for insurance can be lowered. The bigger the group the lower the rate that can be negotiated. My opponent voted twice to block the use of a Healthcare Freedom Amendment and in effect told us one and all that we need to shut up and take our medicine from the Federal Government. We need reform for healthcare but having the federal government take it over from the top down is, pardon the pun, OVERKILL! And it bears repeating that just because you have insurance does not mean you will be able to find a doctor or any secure source of healthcare. The People will have their right to vote to block the mandate and protect their religious and conscience objections of Obama-Care if they hire me to work for them.

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Politics

Bob Grant

2012-11-09 08:35:58

This series with local candidates began last month and as we stated,on November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter.

Last month we introduced you to 2nd District State Representative incumbent Bob Grant. Bob wants to ensure that our children and grandchildren have good public schools and that we have a responsible tax policy that does not overburden local property owners. Q&A Times: What do you feel are the key concerns of the constituency and where do you stand on those issues? Grant: In visiting with constituents in both the old and new 2nd District, three main issues usually come up: funding cuts to public education, property tax and jobs. People are concerned that public school cuts have gone too far. They want their children and grandchildren to have the opportunity for a good public education. I have repeatedly voted to restore funding to our local schools and public schools statewide. I know how important good education is to kids’ futures and that of the state of Kansas. The tax plan that was proposed by the governor and pushed through by the conservative Republican legislature will end up driving up the hated property taxes. We need to take a more common sense approach to the tax plan and explain that smaller government, lower taxes and less regulation aren’t, always, a good thing for Kansas. The idea of having to cut budgets means less money for K-12 and higher education, cuts to senior programs and to services for our most vulnerable citizens. Over the years I have and will continue to support efforts to reduce local property taxes and for a more fair and equal tax plan. More jobs for Southeast Kansans is an extremely important issue. I have worked hard to get changes made to the gaming laws to allow Camptown to re-open and also for a casino to be built and opened in this area. I was asked why I worked so hard on the gaming issue, my answer was because the people of Crawford and Cherokee counties voted 69% in favor of gaming, that’s why. Some proposals that would increase good paying jobs are the requirement that companies receiving state contracts and tax incentives must hire Kansas workers first as well as support for the highway projects. Q&A Times: What experience, professional or personal, makes you best to address these issues? Grant: I graduated from Southeast High School and earned an AA from Labette Community College. My 25 year work experience at the Ammunition Plant at Parsons was as an equipment operator as well as a foreman estimator. Working as a union member and then as management allows me some insight into working with different sides, recognizing the need for compromise and negotiation. The Idle-A-While Tavern and Grill was the family business for 16 years. It was a successful venture due to a lot of hard work and enjoyable because of the interaction with all kinds of people and the support we received from and returned to the community. My commitment throughout my job as State Representative has been to the people of Southeast Kansas. I am pro-life and have the voting record to prove it. My long time involvement with the Cherokee Gun Club has solidified my support of the 2nd amendment. My background is diverse so I can relate to and communicate with a variety of people Q&A Times: What other information is important to properly introduce you to our area? Grant: Constituent service is a large part of the job, one that is most satisfying to me. It allows me to help my constituents on a one to one basis. Through the years, I have made valuable contacts in state agencies and locally. I have been able to use these contacts on many occasions to help people in difficult situations in and out of the 2nd district. I may not always be able to do or provide what they ask for but I will always make sure they get a response. The experience I have had over the past several years has been invaluable to me in this area.

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Politics

Michael Gayoso Jr

2012-11-01 15:02:41

Q: What position are your running for and what endorsements have you received? A: I am now running for the Kansas Senate, District 30 position. I have received endorsements from the Sierra Club, Citizens for Higher Education, KNEA-Kansas PAC, Wichita-Hutchinson Labor Federation, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Q: Why did you decide to run for political office? A: I decided to run for the Kansas Senate when I realized that many current legislators do not seem to care much about their constituents,

the voters. Accumulating campaign contributions and protecting their own financial empires, regardless of risk to the security of the voters, seems to be the way to go for some representatives and senators. We have a responsibility, a moral imperative, to work for the benefit of all Kansans, to strive to make life better for families struggling to make ends meet. Q: What is your position on two of the hottest topics this political cycle, jobs and taxes? A: What I always tell people is that we can work together, that we can truly work together with our old friend Joe. You know Joe: J-O-E----Jobs, Opportunity, and Education. As a former teacher and coach, I know what it takes to provide a top quality education for Kansas students. Kansas public schools have endured several rounds of funding cuts, forcing districts to increase class sizes, lay off teachers, increase student fees, and cut services. Choking the life out of education does not help students prepare for life's challenges. Kansas legislators must uphold a constitutional mandate to adequately fund public education. We must restore school funding to adequate levels. When folks earn diplomas, certifications, apprenticeships, technical grades, and job ratings, they can earn a good wage, a good salary, and maybe start small businesses. They provide for their families. They pay a fair equitable tax on income. The corporate tax breaks pushed through the Kansas legislature is unfair and will hurt working class people, the middle class, and especially the working poor. Many Kansans will lose tax credits and deductions. It's a real concern that the poor will see a tax hike, while the wealthy could receive big tax breaks. Governor Brownback and his public relations surrogates try to persuade Kansans that this demented tax plan passed by unthinking legislators will solve our economic problems and spur job growth. Well, Brownback's experiment might succeed or be an abject failure. What is apparent to taxpayers is that the future is placed on the backs of students, seniors, and workers- people who struggle to provide decent lives for their families. States without income taxes have higher property taxes and sales taxes. Our first priority in tax planning should be to lower local property taxes for the middle class, working class families, and seniors on fixed incomes. If we do not control tax breaks for the very wealthy, property taxes will rise; temporary sales tax programs will become permanent; education funding and implementation will suffer. "Walk with me. Join the parade. Let's get to work."

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Politics

Michelle Hucke

2012-10-03 14:38:08

On November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter. We can do the same with any and all candidates.

Last month we introduced you to State Representative candidate Michelle Hucke the person, as well as her foundational values. In that effort, here is Part 2 of our interview with Michelle Hucke. Q&A Times: What do you feel are the key concerns of the constituency and where do you stand on those issues? Hucke: The economy and job growth. Recently, there has been a lot of hype around President Obama’s comments made on a campaign stop in Roanoke, Virginia, specifically the line “If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that.” Many claim that this comment has been out of context, but even upon full examination of the speech, one can see that Obama attributes the individual success of the people to “this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive.” However, talk to any thriving small business owner and you’ll quickly find that success was made despite the adversity and difficulty created by the American government — a government that, more often than not, fails to meet the needs of small business. Pennsylvania Representative Mike Kelly said it best when he proclaimed on the House floor: “You want to talk about the thousands and thousands of pages we put on the backs of job creators? You want to talk about creating jobs in America? When you want to be a nation that doesn’t participate but wants to dominate the world market, then let them rise! Take the heavy boot off the throat of American’s job creators and let them breathe!” I do not believe that the government is responsible for, nor capable of, creating wealth. Rather, that wealth is created by the hard, devoted work of individuals and private businesses. Government, as Rep. Kelly explained, provides nothing but red tape. The economic development of this nation hinges on the innovation and ingenuity of individuals. We must continue to strive for new and better ideas for the ever-changing future, while holding fast to the principles on which America was founded. We need a State Representative that understands the importance of entrepreneurial development. For example, Pittsburg has incredible assets in the Tyler Research Center and the Kansas Technology Center. I believe we should capitalize on the potential of business opportunity and job creation from these gems. I would like to work with local City and County officials to find businesses that could benefit from this research to potentially locate here. We need growth with a purpose. Education. I respect the importance of public education; after all I am a product of public education. The future of Kansas lies within the education of our children. Additionally, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, Grandfather and Grandmother are teachers. I understand the frustration of educators in classrooms trying to mold our future. I know that many teachers spend their own hard earned money to make sure their students don’t miss out on lessons and experiences. This must be addressed. We spend over 50% of the state budget on education and STILL our teachers and students are struggling. Where is the money going? I will fight to put your tax dollars where they BELONG….the classroom. The dynamic between students and teachers is what makes the difference. Highway 69 and Transportation. While walking in our district and visiting with the people in our area, two questions are commonly asked in reference to Highway 69. Where are the orange cones? Where are the jobs? Contrary to popular belief, transportation projects are not guaranteed to create any significant job opportunities for the Pittsburg area for at least a decade. Whereas the 10-year Kansas transportation program known as T-WORKS is likely to create jobs in other areas of Kansas, The Crawford County Corridor (U.S. 69 bypass from north Arma to South of Pittsburg) is NOT currently included in the T-WORKS program. When it comes to creating the vital jobs our people need now, we MUST look to other, more realistic opportunities. When it comes to the Highway 69 expansion, it is critical that we get the project officially listed and recognized in the Kansas Transportation program. Although transportation improvements across Kansas are a priority, transportation projects in SOUTHEAST Kansas are MY priority. Highway 69, when completed, will be vital in providing a major artery for the flow of commerce from major cities in Kansas to the Southeast Kansas area. It will bring prosperity to the Pittsburg community, as long as we remain competitive with our neighboring states. I will work with the existing infrastructure in place and build new relationships to make sure advancement of Highway 69 actually gets included in the Kansas Transportation program. Tax Reform and Reducing the Tax Burden. Kansas has become uncompetitive because of the state’s tax burden, driving businesses and families elsewhere to find economic opportunities. Reducing the tax burden will create an environment in which Kansas businesses can succeed, create jobs, and give families more take-home pay. In order to create more jobs for Kansans, we need more businesses, but we won’t obtain new business with our current tax score ranking and high property taxes. When businesses choose to locate in states with more business-friendly tax codes, Kansans are forced to start looking elsewhere for work, too. The 2010 U.S. Census confirms this, showing trends of population growth in low-tax states, while the population in high-tax states has declined. These results are unacceptable for Kansas and I will pursue change by working to decrease the tax burden on both individuals and businesses in our state. I will fight for more competitive tax policy.

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Politics

Jeffrey Locke

2012-10-03 14:35:08

On November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter. We can do the same with any and all candidates.

Q&A Times: Who, exactly is Jeffrey Locke? What political office are you running for and what drew you to this? Locke: I am a native Kansan with four children and three grand children who has graduated from PSU with both a Bachelor's and a Masters Degree and has taught full-time for the last 25 years in southeast Kansas. My experiences have drawn me to run in an attempt to serve the citizens and people of the 2nd district in the capacity of statehouse representative. I have been a public servant ever since I graduated college in my varying roles as a teacher, a city councilman, and as currently appointed by the Governor to serve on the Kansas Volunteer Committee. Q&A Times: What do you feel are the key concerns of the constituency and where do you stand on those issues? Locke: The key concerns I have heard repeatedly have been private-sector jobs and economic growth for southeast Kansas, the blocking of Obamacare at the border to protect religious freedom and freedom of conscience as well as to stop that train-wreck of impending job loss as a result of the mandate/tax. The preservation of our God-given right to self-defense with a firearm and the protection of innocent life in the womb. Quality education is also very high on the list and I am uniquely qualified as being the sole candidate employed my whole professional career as a full-time instructor both in the public school and at the community-college level. I am pro-life, and pro-business and I am both a lifetime as well as an endowed member of the National Rifle Association. With my endorsement by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the recognition of my understanding of the policies necessary for Economic Growth is also apparent. Q&A Times: What differentiates you from other candidates? Locke: I will work to stop ObamaCare by way of supporting a Healthcare Freedom Amendment to be voted on by the people of Kansas unlike my opponent. I will support private-sector job creation through concerted policies of both tax reform and regulatory reform. I will support quality schools and not simply throw money at the problem as my opponent advocates. In the case of all state government funding it is cost-benefit analysis and BEST-practice business concepts that should be utilized to guide money to its most efficient use for the tax-payer. And I will sit at the same table as the majority party advocating for southeast Kansas interests, unlike my opponent who sits in the minority, just as he has had to do for the last 19 or 20 years. Q&A Times: What experience, professional or personal, makes you best to address these issues? Locke: One example would be my successful professional experiences as the President and Lead Negotiator of our Local for more than a dozen years. This led to multiple ratified contracts and the development of a faculty salary-schedule, a faculty sick-leave pool and probably most striking was the five years of pushing for inclusion to the State Health Insurance Plan. After the decision was made it still took three MORE years to ramp-up to become fully-seated on the Health Plan! I was entrusted by the faculty to represent them through the entire process and have continued to serve the faculty ever since. Q&A Times: What other information is important to properly introduce you to our area? Locke: I am a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac and I am currently the Full-time Instructor of Art at Fort Scott Community College. I have also been the Republican nominee for the 2nd district seat for 2008, 2010 and now once again in 2012. Persistence I believe is probably one of the strongest assets to put to work for the people and that aspect of my character is most readily apparent!

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Politics

Julie Menghini

2012-10-03 14:14:21

On November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter. We can do the same with any and all candidates.

Q&A Times: Who, exactly is Julie Menghini? What political office are you running for and what drew you to this? Menghini: I am a wife, mother of three, community and school volunteer, and the human resources director for Pittsburg Community Schools. I am running for the 3rd District Kansas State Representative seat. I am running because I served this area for 6 years in 2005-2010, and I think it is time for a strong, pragmatic, effective leader to bring experience and moderation back to Topeka. Our current legislature and governor are making reckless decisions that will negatively impact the people of SEK-from eliminating the food sales tax rebate, the renters portion of the homestead property rebate and the child care credit to almost guaranteeing that everyone’s property taxes will continue to rise due to the massive tax shift created by eliminating income taxes for big corporations. Q&A Times: What do you feel are the key concerns of the constituency and where do you stand on those issues? Menghini: By nearly all measures, Crawford County is the poorest county in the state. We need to strengthen our safety nets, encourage folks to work with the Earned Income Tax Credit (first enacted by Ronald Reagan) instead of trying to eliminate or reduce it as the conservatives did last session, provide adequate funding for education at all levels-from PreK through PSU, protect and create jobs by funding T-Works, the new comprehensive transportation plan, and work for a balanced tax policy that does not place the largest percentage of the tax burden on the working class. Q&A Times: What differentiates you from other candidates? Menghini: Experience, proven leadership abilities, a record of bi-partisanship, knowledge of both the issues and the legislative system, and life experience-as a latch-key kid from a single parent household, as the sister of a sibling who developed juvenile diabetes at age 7 and has dealt with this chronic illness and the healthcare system for over 45 years, as the mother of three children who attended public schools, as the mother of 2 children in college now, as a 14 year former volunteer board member for Elm Acres Youth and Family Services, as a 14 year former PTO president at Westside Elementary School, as a life-long Kansan who lives and works with the people of SEK and wants to make sure we all have a chance to reach our full potential. Q&A Times: What experience, professional or personal, makes you best to address these issues? Menghini: I know what it is like to struggle from paycheck to paycheck. I grew up working a regular job from the time I was 14 to help make ends meet for our family. My father died of lung cancer when I was 8, and my mother did not have a college degree. My sister has lived almost her entire life with a chronic illness. I understand the financial, physical and emotional stresses that accompany all these situations. No matter how challenging our lives become, I want to help people realize their dreams-be it to graduate from college, get a job that pays a living wage, raise a family or own a home one day. My personal and professional life experiences give me an honest, compassionate perspective and a strong desire to help people. Q&A Times: What other information is important to properly introduce you to our area? Menghini: I have the courage to do what is best for SEK and not be a puppet for the special interest groups. I am eager to develop bipartisan solutions whenever possible and practical, though I am not afraid to stand up to corporate greed and politicians who “serve” themselves first and our most vulnerable citizens and children last. I am eager to listen, to serve, and to help. I will be your voice of reason.

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Politics

Bob Grant

2012-10-03 14:10:01

On November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter. We can do the same with any and all candidates.

Q&A Times: Who exactly is Bob Grant? What political office are you running for and what drew you to this? Grant: I am the present 2nd District State Representative who is looking to be rehired to represent those constituents in Topeka when the 2013 legislative session begins. I am running again because I want to ensure that our children and grandchildren have good public schools and that we have a responsible tax policy that does not overburden local property owners. Our state now, more than ever, needs leaders who will keep an open mind and remain willing to work together for good policy instead of good politics I was drawn to serving the people through government in 1981 when I was elected Mayor of Cherokee serving for 16 years. When my friend, Sam Roper, retired in 1991, I won the appointment to his position of State Representative and have held that position since, with the exception of the 93-94 term when I unwillingly went on sabbatical. Cherokee is my home town. My wife, Lynn, and I lived there for 42 years, moving to Frontenac last year. We have one daughter, Megan and her husband, Kevin Fry and 2 grandchildren, Ross & Katie. Q&A Times: What differentiates you from other candidates? Grant: This election offers a clear choice between candidates. I have always been a moderate who has enjoyed the relationships I have established with members of both parties. I have a proven track record of working with both Democrats and Republicans in the Capitol to accomplish results benefitting the people of Kansas. In these challenging times, experience and the ability to work across party lines counts for a lot. I am fiscally responsible in my legislative decisions as well as in my personal life. My decisions are based on what is best for the 2nd District. My opponent is a Brownback ultra-conservative. Many Kansans are starting to realize that the state is being used as a guinea pig by the Brownback administration. I don’t know about you but I don’t like being used as a guinea pig. If the experiment fails, the state of Kansas fails. We, the working citizens of Kansas will have to deal with the fallout. The tax plan and its elimination of tax credits passed last session will not benefit the working people. We have had cuts to services to those who need them most, yet the more wealthy will receive new tax breaks. Robin Hood in reverse. The agenda to privatize many government services is not beneficial to the lives of most Kansans. The choice is a moderate who can and will work with both sides of the aisle to solve the challenges faced by the state in these difficult times. Or a rubber stamp for the governor and those who would like to see privatization of public schools, senior services and a variety of government agencies. Next month we will dive into key concerns of the constituency, where Bob stands on those as well as his personal and professional experiences that makes him best to address these issues.

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Politics

Angela Trimble

2012-10-03 13:52:58

On November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter. We can do the same with any and all candidates.

Q&A Times: Who exactly is Angela Trimble? What political office are you running for and what drew you to this? Trimble: I grew up on a farm near Altamont, and graduated from Labette County High School. While at Kansas State University, I volunteered for CASA, the Court-Appointed Special Advocates program, which trains volunteers to assist as representatives for children who are in the court system due to abuse and/or neglect. It was this experience that led me to law school in order to represent those who had no voice in the judicial process. I graduated from the University of Tulsa Law School, and within a year was working for the Southeast Kansas Legal Services in Pittsburg. Throughout my 17-year career as an attorney, I continued to work for people who do not have sufficient monetary means to hire an attorney, as a court-appointed defense attorney for indigent defendants, and as a Public Defender for the State of Kansas. I was given the opportunity to serve as an Assistant County Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 2003 through 2006. As I served the public in that capacity, I personally prosecuted criminals accused of child abuse, rape, and murder. My desire to help people is what drives me to run for the office of Crawford County Attorney. It is the county attorney’s office that has a direct influence on the lives of those who have been victimized, those whose well-being is often overlooked in the quest for “fairness.” Q&A Times: What do you feel are the key concerns of the constituency and where do you stand on those issues? Trimble: The first is community safety. Second is the prevalence of methamphetamine, its effect on our communities, and the destructive results it has on families. Those are two key concerns facing Crawford County and all of Southeast Kansas. As Crawford County Attorney, I will stand firm in the prosecution of all crimes, and especially those involving the manufacture and/or sale of methamphetamine. Production of meth is a destructive element for the family unit. Desire for the drug can override parental responsibility to result in neglect or endangerment to children. Exposure to toxic chemicals endangers everyone involved, especially children, to long-term effects, as inhalation of chemicals used to make meth can be damaging to soft tissues and body organs. Use of meth often incites other violence. The intensely addictive quality of the drug may have the result of additional crimes committed against persons or property to feed the user’s addiction. The damage caused to the community by meth production and use is environmental as well as financial. Meth production creates environmental hazards, in addition to cleanup costs. Q&A Times: What differentiates you from other candidates? Trimble: It is my desire to represent those persons who have been victimized by crime. The job of the Crawford County Attorney is to represent the taxpayers, the citizens of Crawford County, against criminals. Due to my training and experience, I understand a victim's concerns with their situation and legal process. I understand that it is important to listen to the victim, address the victim's concerns and explain the process. Most importantly,I understand that it is important to professionally represent the citizens of Crawford County. Next month we will discuss what experiences, both professional and personal, makes Angela Trimble best to address these issues.

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Politics

Michael Gayoso Jr

2012-10-03 13:46:29

On November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 elections. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we've laid out five questions with the following candidates to gather a little insight into who they are, what they're running for, and what issues they can resolve that are important to you, the voter. We can do the same with any and all candidates.

Q&A Times: Who, exactly is Michael Gayoso Jr.? What political office are you running for and what drew you to this? Gayoso: My family and I have lived in Crawford County for 12 years. My wife was born and raised in Southeast Kansas and graduated from PSU. Our 3 children attend school here, we go to church here, and we are deeply rooted in this wonderful community. I am completing my first term as your Crawford County Attorney. Prior to being elected, I was in private practice for nine years primarily focusing on criminal law. I felt the prior administration was not doing its best in prosecuting criminals and was compelled to run for office to make a difference. I volunteer at our church, work with the youth in the community and have educated parents on internet safety in order to take a proactive approach to protecting our children. I take seriously my efforts of reaching out to this community and imparting knowledge that can assist them. Q&A Times: What do you feel are the key concerns of the constituency and where do you stand on those issues? Gayoso: The overriding concern is safety. Public safety has always been priority number one in my administration. Everyone employed on my staff understands this and we strive to seek justice in every case. I appreciate the fact that families rely on us to make sure their children and loved ones live in a safe community; merchants rely on us to prosecute those who criminally pass worthless checks and to prosecute those that steal from them; schools rely on us for truancies and to educate children about the dangers of social media, bullying, drugs and other pressing issues; family members and mental health professionals rely on us to initiate proceedings for those with mental illness or drug addiction in seeking the help they need, just to name a handful of issues we deal with every single day. Our office is responsible for more than just prosecuting criminals, we understand and witness firsthand that drugs, alcohol and criminal charges impacts everyone in the community. As a team, my staff and I work to ensure that we obtain criminal convictions and obtain needed services and placements for others to make Crawford County a better place. Q&A Times: What differentiates you from other candidates? Gayoso: EXPERIENCE AND RESULTS! For thirteen years I have focused my career on criminal law. I have successfully prosecuted jury trials. My actions speak louder than the words of my opponent. In less than 4 years in office, I have obtained over 600 felony convictions, sending criminals to prison for over 650 years. I have collected nearly ¾ of a million dollars in worthless checks for merchants, restitution for victims and fees. I have obtained six murder convictions including being the first prosecutor in Crawford County history to file a 1st degree murder case without a body and obtain a life in prison sentence. During my tenure as Crawford County Attorney, my office has experienced a 96% felony conviction rate. I have visited grade schools and high schools throughout the county to speak to students about being proactive in safety and to encourage them to make good choices. I have accomplished all of this while operating under budget. My opponent has done none of these. I work closely with law enforcement and victims to ensure that justice is being done and have proven myself in and out of the courtroom. Q&A Times: What other information is important to properly introduce you to our area? Gayoso: It is important for the people of Crawford County to realize that when it comes to the position of County Attorney, it doesn’t matter whether you are Democrat or Republican. I do not pass laws. I enforce the laws, prosecute crimes, initiate care and treatments and child in need of care cases and educate the public about being proactive in their safety. I am committed to this position not only because I genuinely care about the very community I live in and my family is a part of, but because it is the right thing to do. I have assembled an excellent staff who deeply care about what we do, who love this community and share my vision for it. Thank you and VOTE GAYOSO for County Attorney.

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Politics

Jeanie Erwin

2012-08-30 08:17:30

On November 6th our country will once again be allowed to exercise our freedom, and right to vote in the 2012 election. As always, we are striving to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets, educating and informing readers and providing information that touches them personally, in their daily lives. All rhetoric aside, we want to dive deep into the issues that matter to you, the voter. In that effort, we recently sat down with State Representative candidate Michelle Hucke, to gather a little insight into her foundational qualities, beliefs, stances, and overall outlook on life. We can do the same with any and all candidates. Now...we introduce you to Michelle Hucke.

Q&A Times: Who, exactly is Michelle Hucke? What political office are you running for and what drew you to this? Hucke: I grew up in Southeast Kansas. At an early age, I watched my father, Tom, become the Labette County Sheriff (a job he held for over 16 years), and the first sparks of my desire to be in public service glinted in my eyes. I regard my father as a true servant of the people of Kansas. He has always sacrificed himself for the good of those around him, coming to the aid of those in need. He is a confident, unwavering man who always stands up for what he believes, and I truly admire that. That is the kind of public servant I will be. My passion, drive and good-natured sense of humor are valuable assets that will aid me as a representative for my fellow Kansans. But it’s my unwavering refusal to compromise the needs and desires of the people that seal the deal. As a professional, I am energetic and driven by my passion to ensure success. When I believe in something, I latch on and have a compulsion to see it through to the end, even if that means losing sleep because I am thinking about it 24/7 – whatever it takes. As an active member of the community, I encounter the joys and even the pain of the people in the third district on a daily basis. I understand and identify with the hardships people are facing. I know that many of us are disillusioned by a government that has run amok with our hard-earned money, while people are struggling to pay their bills, keep a roof over their head and food on the table. Although, it has been a difficult journey, where we are now is NOT the destination. It is time to stop focusing on Southeast Kansas for what it is and starting seeing it for what it can become. Our future can be great and I know that, together, we can make a real difference for this area. My vision for SEK is a radiant one--and I want the people to be a part of it! Q&A Times: What differentiates you from other candidates? Mrs. Menghini and I couldn’t be more different. SEK cannot afford to re-elect one of the architects of a lost decade, only to have her follow her plan of reverting back to the type of failed policies that have created the economic recession that we are experiencing. People understand that experience is not earned from simply being present or from rubber stamping the agenda of another. We need representation that encourages less regulation, lower taxes, job growth, expansion of Highway 69, and more efficient education systems. Our State Representative must lead with the principles and values of a Southeast Kansan. This person must also recognize that healthcare decisions need to remain in the hands of the individual and whatever doctor they choose for themselves and his/her family. I AM that kind of servant and I need your help in getting elected… Join us next month as we dive into some of the more pressing topics and problem areas within SEK, along with a clear explanation of her proposed solutions. For more information please visit www.michellehucke.com or contact her directly at (620) 778-2220.

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Politics

Linda Kirby

2012-08-02 09:39:50

Q- Linda, you have been a successful estates and property law attorney here in Wichita for a number of years, why are you running for judge and why would you run against such a well-known incumbent judge?

A- As a practicing attorney here in Sedgwick County for the past 23 years I was drawn to challenge the current Republican incumbent candidate by the fact that he has clearly strayed from the core values of the Republican Party. I believe that elected officials have a responsibility to work hard for the voters who elected them and a responsibility to uphold the values that they were elected upon. Those values include putting in a full day’s work for a full-day’s pay, managing taxpayer money as if it was your own, giving total priority to the job you have been elected to fulfill, and speaking truthfully. Those values once appeared to be practiced by my opponent, but since leaving the Legislative branch four years ago to become a judge, my opponent seems to have lost his way. We cannot afford to let our past loyalty to a politician blind us when our core values are not being practiced by an incumbent judge and the values of our party and community are being eroded. After 23 years practicing law and raising a family here in Sedgwick County, I am proud to have the opportunity to serve my community with my full and complete attention to the people of Sedgwick County and with unwavering commitment to the core beliefs of our Republican Party. As an attorney I have worked with thousands of clients throughout our community to represent them fairly with a clear understanding of our laws. I have not been a lawmaker nor have I been a political operative in Topeka: pushing political agendas and engaging in legal grandstanding is not my style. I have dedicated my professional life to a clear analysis and understanding of the law and how it intersects with my clients’ lives right here in Sedgwick County. I simply cannot stand by and watch a Judicial incumbent expect voters to give him an automatic renewal when he is taking advantage of voters’ trust. My opponent served honorably in the Kansas Legislature, but since leaving the Legislature and moving to the judicial branch four years ago, he seems to have lost his way. He pushed court spending to record highs with a ‘therapeutic court’ for DUI offenders at taxpayer expense. He puts in a part-time work schedule for full time pay. He has misrepresented to thousands that he was endorsed by KFL, a socially conservative organization, which has withdrawn their support after his performance during his first term as a judge and his clear disregard for the values he embraced during his time as a Kansas Legislator. I ask that you break the cycle of incumbents who feel entitled to be re-elected and consider a change for the better. I ask for your vote and the opportunity to serve you and all citizens of Sedgwick County as Division I Judge in the 18th Judicial District.